FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

I just want to give a very BiG, HUGE thanks to Mysterydude for helping me with this collaboration and for the consent to use his characters. Also want to thank Tatami Ninetails for use of his guy to also. Please enjoy and let me know what you think.

Caleb, Raigen, and Shawn belong to Mysterydude.

Zack Tatami belongs to TatamiNineTails

"Find them. They couldn't have gone far. Leave no stone unturned, no hole unchecked, and no window peeked through."

"Yes sir," the small group said, and scattered through the brunt village.

The shadowy figure watched them go from the hill, a breeze bearing the stench of charred wood making his nostrils twitch, as a wolf appeared from his shadow on the ground and stood behind him.

"Do you think he escaped, master?"

"He's around here somewhere. He won't get far with that injury you gave him." The figure stared into the night, cold eyes seeking his quarry.

Meanwhile, a pair of blue eyes watched warily from the shadows, before fading back into them.

"We can't keep this up. Especially with the injury you have."

The owner of the voice walked back to a man sitting on a pile of debris; all that was left of a brunt down house. He was leaning on a sturdy piece of wood, putting pressure on a deep wound that was covering the left side of his clothes in crimson blood, even with the tight pressure he had on it.

"I don't see why you don't let Shawn heal you master Jonah, you are being rather obstinate," the snow leopard said, standing beside him.

"Because it will take too much magic to heal a wound of this size. Plus it will also leave us sitting ducks," Jonah said, breathing hard. "Besides, we have to get out of here before they find us."

"I can't force him to accept healing Caleb," Shawn said with a sigh. "It won't kill him, and he insists on me saving my power."

A red dragon with gold horns appeared out of Jonah's shadow and knelt beside him.

"Master, I don't know how long this illusion I made will last. I used a lot of magic fighting off that monster earlier," it said.

"It's alright Cindur. It just needs to hold while I take care of something."

Jonah reached into his pocket with a groan and pulled out a gold medallion. On one side it had ancient symbols carved into it, while the other side had an image of a temple.

"Shawn, I need you to cut this half."

"But that's-"

"Just do it."

Shawn nodded and took the medallion, placing it on the floor. Raising his sword, he came down hard, causing a small spark as the medallion was split in half. Jonah reached over and grabbed both halves, keeping one and handing the other to Shawn.

"You know what to do."

Shawn nodded his head curtly, before turning to the snow leopard.

"Caleb, I need you to listen to me. I need you to take this medallion and give it to Jonah's son."

"What? No dice, I'm not leaving you here."

"Caleb, you have to. This is not open to debate."

Shawn flipped through his book quickly and found the spell he was looking for, rapidly speaking the words. Holding his sword, he let his concentration flow through it, acting like a conductor as it glowed. He drew a circle in the air, opening up a vortex.

"Get into the portal Caleb."

"You need me here. With master Jonah is in this state, I can-"

"We'll be fine Caleb. You getting this to his son is more important right now. This madman cannot be allowed to do what he plans to do."

Caleb glanced down at the broken half of the medallion before looking back up at Shawn, a stubborn look in his eyes.

"Why can't I stay and help you? I can be useful to you."

"You can be useful to me by doing what I told you."

"But Shawn-"

Shawn had had enough of the protests. They were running out of time. He slammed Caleb into the wall, sword at his neck.

"Caleb, you either do what I say, or they won't need to kill you, because god help me, I will do it right here."

A grey falcon appeared from Caleb's shadow.

"Master Caleb, we should do what master Shawn says. The boy needs our protection more than they do."

Caleb closed his eyes, ears down.

"I.....understand, Shawn. I'll do it. But you owe me for playing babysitter!"

Shawn allowed a small smile to soften his features, lowering his sword and putting his hand on Caleb's shoulder in a friendly gesture.

"I have never steered you wrong Caleb. Trust me when I say everything will be fine."

"But my training-"

"I have taught you everything you needed to know. Everything else, you and Raigen must learn on your own."

Caleb nodded along with Raigen, before turning to the portal with a shake of his head, his irritation still evident.

"When you see my son, tell him.........I'm sorry for everything I've put him through," Jonah said.

"Of course master Jonah. Adieu."

"Remember, this must get to him without fail," Shawn said,

"I understand. I won't let you down Shawn. And you'd better not die on me!"

With a final nod, Caleb walked into the portal, vanishing from view seconds before Shawn destroyed it with a slash of his sword.

"And I thought I was harsh," Jonah said with a chuckle.

"Caleb is strong. He can take it. Unfortunately, that's the only way to get through to him when he's being stubborn."

"You know we're going to be captured eventually?"

"Yeah, I know. Besides, you still owe me," Shawn said with a smile.

"Curse your good memory."

They shared a small laugh, which seemed to ease their tension until they heard footsteps coming closer.

"Master Jonah, they are coming," Cindur said.

"Sorry for getting you into this mess Shawn," Jonah said, standing up the with the help of Cindur.

"Don't get sentimental on me. It was my choice."

"I just hope Caleb finds my son before HE does."

"Don't worry. Caleb won't fail, he's here for a reason too. There are no accidents."

__

The bed creaked as the blanket wrapped body moved around in it. Heavy footsteps could be heard coming up near it, making the occupant stir sleepily before water was dumped on the bed, drawing a shocked scream from the rudely awakened sleeper.

"I told you what would happen if I had to come up here again," a rough voice said.

"Damn it grandfather!" the young voice said.

"Now get up and get your chores done. I have a lot of things to do today and looking after you isn't one of them," the older man said, heading out the room with a pail in his hand.

The young man let out a groan as he sat up in the soaked bed.

"I hate when he does that. So I over slept, big deal."

He got up and stretched before taking off the wet linens and tossing them into the dirty hamper. Opening his closet, he took out a pair of black linen slacks and a cotton shirt with a white vest. He appraised his reflection in the mirror, giving his short black hair a quick straightening before heading out his room. The wooden stairs creaked and groaned under his weight as he descended, joining his grandfather on the lower floor.

"I told you to fix those stairs two days ago."

"I couldn't grandfather, cause Sampson didn't have the wood available."

"Well make sure to check today. I'm not going to break my neck because of your laziness."

"Yes sir. Any other jobs you need a slave for?"

The older man got up and slapped him in the back of the head.

"Watch what you say boy. You're starting to be like-"

He cut off as he looked down at the young lad, noting his subdued anger and defiance.

"Look Isaiah," he said, kneeling down and putting a hand gently on his shoulder. "I'm sorry for being hard to you, but I'm trying to raise you the right way."

"I know. I just miss my parents."

"I do to. I loved my daughter but she shouldn't have gotten involved with your father."

"What did my father do that you hate him so much for?"

His grandfather let out a sigh before standing up.

"Isaiah-"

"Father Jeremy, you're needed for the morning sermon," a voice said, knocking on the front door.

Jeremy let out a sigh before reaching for the robe hanging on the back of his chair.

"I will tell you when the time is right Isaiah. I promise."

"Okay," Isaiah said nod and a sigh, accepting the unsatisfying answer.

"Finish your chores, and then when I'm done, we'll go fishing by the lake."

"Okay."

Jeremy gave him a quick smile before heading out the front door.

'Forgive me for being elusive Isaiah. But the less you know about your father, the safer you are.'

Isaiah watched his grandfather leave, forcing away the flash of annoyance at once more being put off from any kind of real answer. As harsh as his grandfather was at times, he knew he wasn't trying to be hurtful. He was strict and unyielding, but showed flashes of kindness too. With a sigh, he set about his daily chores, slipping into the monotony of labor. He cleaned his room, swept the floors and beat the rugs. He checked the ice-box and made a list of items needed for the week. He walked to the front door and put on his shoes before stepping out beneath the ocean blue sky. The streets of Jukes was a little crowded for this time of day, as he was forced to weave in and around people.

"Good afternoon Mrs. Iris," Isaiah said, waving to an otter that was watering the plants outside her house.

"Hello Isaiah," she called as she returned the gesture.

"Your flowers are looking as good as you are."

"You flirtatious whelp! Get your chores done before I have to teach you a lesson."

He let out a chuckle, starting to move along, before suddenly being grabbed from behind.

"Give me all your gold or die."

He could feel claws pressing firmly against his neck, threatening to pierce the skin, sending a stab of panic through him before he recognized the voice.

"Jesus Zack, are you trying to frighten me to death?" he said, pushing him away.

Zack laughed at the shock he'd given him, before throwing his arm around him. Isaiah finally joined in with a chuckle, looking at his friend. Zack Tatami, a wolf/fox hybrid had known since he was seven years old, the pair of them growing up almost like brothers. Zack's father was captain of the king's guards, and had had Zack in training from a young age to replace him. Zack was happy for that, because he excelled in sword, hand to hand, and spear training, and also developed a very physical body.

"So what brings you out here? Are you running from your training?" Isaiah joked.

"Of course. I did enough training for today. Besides," Zack said, flexing his muscles, "I am capable of taking care of myself."

"Sure you are."

Zack fixed the white vest he was wearing, showing his firm chest before walking next to Isaiah.

"So what are you up to?"

"Daily chores. Something you should be doing."

"I have my moth-"

Zack stopped abruptly, remembering Isaiah's situation.

"Curse my tongue. I'm sorry Isaiah."

"It's okay," Isaiah said with a smile, not taking offense to the unintended barb.

They walked into the market street, the cries of vendors peddling their goods filling the air. Isaiah walked over to a vegetable stand and began to browse.

"Welcome, please take your time and choose from my home grown stock," the female Persian cat said with a welcoming smile.

"What exactly do you look for when you're squeezing the life out of them?" Zack asked, picking up a tomato.

"Ripeness. Vegetables have to be ripe and firm for the best results," Isaiah replied.

Zack looked confused as he cocked his head to the side a little. He looked at the tomato he held and squeezed... a little too hard as burst in his hand, sending juice and seeds everywhere. Isaiah laughed at his hapless friend, while Zack folded his ears in embarrassment.

"I'm sorry ma'am. I'll pay for it."

Isaiah giggled as he and Zack paid for what they bought and walked on.

"I thought you said to squeeze for ripeness?" he growled softly.

"Yes, but not so hard. Maybe it's all that training you are doing."

"Don't get jealous. I told you my father would be more than happy to train you also."

"No, I think not. I'm not the warrior type."

"You don't have to be a warrior. Everybody needs to know how to defend themselves when the time comes."

Isaiah stopped briefly at a fish wagon to purchase some ocean perch and some sole.

"Why bother when your father defends the village and castle so well?" Isaiah questioned as he handed his coins to the vendor, receiving a bow of thanks in return.

"You take him for granted. Remember, guards will not always be around to protect you."

"Then I will still have you, won't I?" Isaiah asked, batting his eyes in a feminine manner.

Zack rolled his eyes before chuckling. "Of course, my damsel in distress. No kisses though."

They were distracted from their camaraderie as a fox wearing a sliver and red plate-mail vest walked up to them.

"Your father wants you back home Zackery."

Isaiah laughed at the use of his full name, making him growl.

"I told you not to call me that. Just Zack."

"Sorry sir," the fox said. "I was sent to bring you back home."

"Fine then," Zack said, walking over to join the guard before looking back at Isaiah. "Remember what I said, I'm only looking out for you."

"Thanks. I will keep it in mind."

Zack smiled and nodded before walking off with the guard. Isaiah watched him leave with a sigh, as he was once more left on his own. He glanced up into the sky, admiring the hue as the setting sun turned it into a bright orange-red color.

"Maybe I should take him up on his offer."

He shook his head with a chuckle.

"No, that's foolish, I'm no fighter. We have the best guards in the city. I have nothing to fear."

__

The boat sailed smoothly over the calm waters of the ocean. Caleb stood on the deck, the wind ruffling his fur as he leaned on the wooden railing, peering contemplatively down into the deep waters.

"Is there something wrong master?" Raigen asked from beside him.

"I shouldn't be here. I should be with Shawn and master Jonah."

"But you heard what master Shawn said. We have to deliver the medallion and protect master Jonah's son."

"I'm NOT a babysitter Raigen," Caleb said angrily, with a hint of a glare in his look.

A sailor on the deck looked at him strangely before walking away, obviously wondering why he was talking to himself. Caleb let out an irritated growl before looking back at the water.

"All that training I went through, and what do I have to show for it? I end up babysitting."

"Master Shawn knows what he's doing."

"I know he does. I just wish he would let me help him. I was sent here for a different reason than THIS! I'm a foreign race expert for crying out loud!"

Caleb let out another growl as his claws dug into the wood. His left ear twitched as footsteps approached. He turned to see a walrus walking up to him.

"Master Caleb, we'll be arriving in Baydenhill by noon tomorrow," he said.

"Can you get there any faster?"

"I have her at full speed now. This is the best I can do."

"I understand. Thank you."

"I had my cabin boy fix you a room for the night. It's downstairs, third door on the left."

Caleb nodded as the captain left. He let out a long sigh before looking out over the water once more.

"Shawn owes me BIG for this."

__

The long wooden bridge swayed dangerously back and forth as Shawn fought the oncoming enemies along with Cindur and Jonah.

"There is just no end to them," Shawn growled, cutting the arm off an attacker before blasting him back with a strong force of wind.

This caused a domino effect making the mob behind him fall down, some even falling off the bridge.

"Enough," a strong voice said.

The mob eased up on both sides, giving them some small respite, as a familiar shadowy figure appeared like a wraith from the ground, standing behind the protection of the mob.

The clouds that were covering the moon cleared up, revealing the figure. An obsidian cape swirled in the residues of Shawn's wind attack, flicking over red armor plating and white leggings. The armor had lethal looking spikes on its shoulder blades as well as the back of the greaves, lending him a bestial appearance. Incongruously, his face was young and child-like, a bizarre contrast to his menacing stature. His long red hair grew straight down his back, except a few stray strands obscuring his slate colored eyes.

"Just give me the medallion Jonah."

"You are delusional Zemeckis. I do not know who put these foolish ideas in your head, but you need to stop," Jonah said.

'Delusional you say? Oh no, I assure you I am quite sane."

He walked up to the edge of the bridge, a slow smile creeping onto his face.

"So, now Jonah, you have two choices. One, you can join me in ruling the two worlds as one power. Or two, I kill you and your friend and rule both worlds by myself."

"If you combine both worlds you'll destroy them both. The Shadow-void box cannot be controlled."

Zemeckis laughed at the statement, brushing away the warning.

"That's what the elemental djinns are for. Harness enough of their power and you can control anything."

"You are crazy Zemeckis. Elemental djinns are living beings."

"I'm not crazy Jonah," Zemeckis said angrily. "Just misunderstood. But enough pleasantries, give me the medallion."

Jonah let out a grunt, holding his side before looking down into the blackness below.

"Cindur, how far down do you think this ravine is?"

"About a hundred foot drop give or take. I can probably support you if you wish to fall master?"

"Wow, pretty deep. Shawn, you okay for a fall?"

"I don't mind a little wind messing up my hair, I wish I could teleport though," Shawn replied with a smile.

"So what's it going to be Jonah?" Zemeckis called. "I'm losing my good side."

Jonah looked at him with an impish smile.

"I'll take choice number three. Shawn, Cindur, cut it."

Shawn spun his sword quickly, severing the the ropes on his side, mirrored by Cindur. Zemeckis watched with mildly annoyed amusement, as Jonah, Shawn, and his men fell into the darkness. The wolf appeared behind him and looked down.

"Is he still alive master?'

"Jonah is too stubborn to die from a cliff fall, and I doubt that other pest will perish so easily as well."

"What do we do? We lost the only thing that can open the box."

"Not really. Jonah is predictable. Their third companion is gone. More than likely, he cut the medallion in half and sent him away with it. Find his companion and you'll find the half of the medallion. In the meantime, have a search party go on a mountain hike and search for them."

"Yes master."

__

The clatter of silverware was the only thing heard in the house as Isaiah and Jeremy ate. Jeremy watched Isaiah out the corner of his eye. Something about his demeanor seemed wrong to him.

"Something wrong Isaiah?"

"Nothing grandad," Isaiah said softly, eating a spoonful of rice.

"Come now Isaiah. I know when something is wrong."

Isaiah let out a sigh, lowering his utensils.

"Grandad, tell me why you hate my dad?"

Jeremy let out a sigh, wiping his mouth with a napkin to give himself a moment.

"Isaiah, your father......made foolish decisions. Decisions that cost the life of my daughter."

"I don't understand."

"He made a choice. Instead of staying with his wife and soon to be child, he went off on an idiotic quest to save the world."

Jeremy reached for his wine-cup, gulping down the contents.

"He said he would be back for your birth. So she waited for him. She waited for him for nine months. In that time, she grew weak from barely eating, from fretting over his absence. I tried to get her to eat, but she refused, even as she weakened, saying that he would be back, and she would have a hot meal waiting for him for when he returned."

He let out a shaky sigh, his eyes growing misty at the memory.

"Then came the big day. She went into labor and delivered a perfectly healthy baby boy. But... Soon after she gave birth, she died. I tried everything to bring her back with my healing magic, but her heart was just too weak. After her funeral, I took care of you like a father should. Then after two years, he decides to show his face."

Jeremy balled his fists tightly in anger.

"He claimed he had been held up, a bad storm delayed his boat. He wanted to see his wife and child. I told him.......they are dead to him. I told him she died waiting for him. He asked to see you. I told him he didn't deserve to see you. That's when he struck me," Jeremy chuckled. "I gave in and showed him to you. When he held you... I started to cry along with him. That's when I told him to leave, and never come back."

Isaiah stared at him in shock, as Jeremy shook his head regretfully.

"You......drove my father away?"

"I did it for you."

"You did it for yourself!"

"I didn't want to see you hurt because of his actions."

Isaiah stood up, anger in his eyes.

"All this time, I thought he died or didn't love me. Now I find out you pushed him out of my life?!"

"Isaiah listen-"

"I'm done listening to you," Isaiah said angrily, storming out of the room.

"Isaiah? Isaiah?" Jeremy called, sorrow in his tone as he watched his adopted son pounding his way up the stairs, fleeing from the revelation. He had thought it had been the right thing at the time, but now...

He let out a sigh, pouring another cupful of wine and downing it.

"A fine job Jeremy. See what your actions have caused."

__

A knock on the cabin door stirred Caleb from his slumber.

"We're almost to the port of Baydenhill sir."

"Thank you," Caleb replied, rousing himself from his repose.

Putting on his clothes, he grabbed his cane and fedora before heading up to the deck. There, visible on the horizon, was a good sized port town. Caleb could just make out the peaked roofs of houses, rising beyond the wooden wharfs and the masts of docked fishing boats.

"We'll reach Baydenhill in about an hour." the captain said.

"Have you found out what I asked for?"

"Yes. The boy is in Jukes. It's a days journey through Tahrongi Canyon to the southwest."

"Thank you."

The captain nodded and went back to the helm, leaving Caleb to once more gaze out at the horizon.

The captain's estimate proved accurate, the boat docking at the port within the hour, the sailors securing it firmly to the posts. The boarding plank was lowered with a thud, allowing Caleb to stroll down, setting his feet once more on solid land.

"Thank you again captain."

"My pleasure."

Caleb nodded his farewell, securing his white fedora in place before heading into the port town. People bustled by him this way and that, simply going about their daily lives. Raigen looked around in joy, striding beside him.

"It looks like a lively city."

"Indeed it does. Now to acquire some sort of travel."

He caught sight of two female wolves standing in front of a nearby fish-monger's shop, chuckling over some joke. Walking over, he took off his fedora and gave a sweeping bow.

"Excuse me. Would either of you lovely creatures happen to know where I could acquire means of transportation?"

The two females blushed, the one on the left prodding her companion before nodding.

"The horse stables are behind the town. Just follow the path and its on your right."

"Thank you," he said, giving another bow before putting on his hat back on, turning with a graceful motion.

They watched him leave, blushing heavily.

"Who was that?"

"I don not know. But I want him."

Caleb chuckled, the comment reaching him before he was out of earshot. After a goodly walk, giving him an overview of the town, he reached the stables, entering through a creaky wooden gate. Walking around back, he saw a badger brushing down a brown and grey horse.

"Excuse me. I would like to secure a horse from you."

The badger turned and looked him up and down appraisingly, one eyebrow raised, before letting out a contemptuous snort.

"I don't sell my horses to people I don't like."

"I don't care if you like me or not. I need to purchase a horse."

The badger ignored him as he finished brushing off the horse, before dropping the brush into a bucket. Grabbing the bucket, he headed inside the small shack, slamming the door behind him. Raigen saw the look in Caleb's eyes.

"Master Caleb, don't do anything rash."

Caleb ignored him as he walked up to the door, muttering under his breath. Holding his hand out with a final word of command, the door splintered to pieces, shocking the badger as he ducked to the ground, holding his head. He scrambled to his feet, only to be lifted up by his collar and slammed against the wall.

"Lets try this again," Caleb growled. "I need a horse. I have an important task to carry out and don't have time for this nonsense. Now, you can take my gold and give me the fastest horse you have, or I can take it. The choice is yours."

The badger shivered in his grasp, swallowing hard and nodding his head. Caleb let him down, following as the shaken badger led him back out to the stable, to a stall holding a white stallion.

"This is Rouge. The fastest horse I have."

Caleb looked Rouge over, checking his legs, teeth, and back before nodding in approval.

"How much?"

"He's a pure bred, so eight gold pieces."

"Deal," Caleb said curtly, throwing a small burlap sack towards the badger.

The badger nodded, pocketing the coins warily, before bringing over a saddle and hooking up the animal. Caleb swung smoothly into the saddle, peering down at the badger as he gripped the reins of the prancing horse.

"Which is the fastest way to Jukes?"

"Through Jugner forest to the south. It'll save you half the time if you went through Tahrongi Canyon, which is where everybody goes. I take the forest route myself, whenever I need to deliver something quickly."

"Thanks," Caleb said tossing him another small bag. "That's for the repairs to your door."

With a couple of whistles, he took off towards Jugner forest.

__

Jeremy drank his coffee in silence as his mind replayed back what he had said the previous night. He hadn't intended to tell Isaiah about his father like that, but it had just... all poured out. He let out a sigh, running a hand through his grey hair. Standing up, he walked to the fireplace, picking up a hand-drawn picture from the mantle. The expert hand of the artist depicted his daughter Lynn, standing in her wedding gown with him beside her. She had beautiful brown hair, black eyes and smooth skin.

"Forgive me Lynn."

"Father Jeremy, the church sermon will begin shortly," a voice called from outside the door.

"Thank you Timothy."

Jeremy grabbed his robe, about to head out the door, before halting in his tracks. He turned back, walking upstairs and standing in front of Isaiah's door.

"Isaiah, I know that you probably hate me right now, and I understand. But you must understand, your father chose poorly. When you get older, you'll realize why I did what I did. I must go now and conduct the sermon. Please get your chores done."

Isaiah listened to the echoing footsteps, followed by the sound of the front door closing. He put his head back on his knees and cried a little more. Twenty years of living with his grandfather, thinking his father didn't love him. It was all a lie.

"Why grandfather?" he asked the empty room softly.

A knock on his window startled him. He looked out to see Zack with a goofy smile on his face. Opening the window, Zack tumbled in, brushing himself off as he got to his feet.

"Hello Isaiah. Sorry I couldn't-"

He stopped when he saw his face and the tears.

"What's wrong my friend? Did something happen to you?"

"It's nothing," Isaiah lied.

"Isaiah, you can't lie to me."

Isaiah flopped down on the bed with a sigh.

"Its my grandfather. He told me last night that he forced my father to leave me."

"Oh... I'm so sorry," Zack said, putting his arm around him.

"He told him to never come back and that I was dead to him."

"That sounds... very harsh. Why would your grandfather do that?"

"He said he let my mother die from a broken heart."

Isaiah started to cry again, making Zack fold his ears back in embarrassment and sympathy. He placed a hesitant arm around his friend, simply offering his comfort, before an idea popped into his head.

"Tell you what. I'll ask around and see if any of the guards in other towns have found him."

"You can do that?" Isaiah asked, trying to stem the flow of tears as he looked at his friend.

"Sure I can. I AM the son of the captain of the guards after all." Zack grinned.

"Thank you Zack. I owe you."

Isaiah's stomach growled, making Zack laugh.

"Somebody's hungry."

"I was in an emotional state. Judge me if you wish. Are you hungry?"

"Sure. Your cooking is always good," Zack said with a happy wag of his tail.

__

Shawn let the spell flow through his hand into the earth, closing his eyes to feel the results. Satisfied, he dusted his hands and went into the cave where Jonah was resting.

"Nobody's following us yet."

"Don't count Zemeckis out yet. He's very persistent," Jonah groaned, feeling light headed.

"Are you going to let me heal you now? I'm surprised you're still standing, considering how much magic energy Cindur used to break that fall."

"Fine, you win."

Shawn stuck his sword in the ground and sat down, looking through his book for the right spell. Jonah reached into his pocket and took out a locket. Clicking it open, he looked down at the little picture on the right side of it: Isaiah, as a young boy around six years old. On the left, it showed Lynn and himself at their wedding, holding hands and looking happy and carefree.

"Did I make the right choice Shawn?"

"You took it upon yourself to finish what he couldn't," Shawn said, finding the spell he was looking for. "You made the only choice available at the time."

Jonah sighed as he put the locket away, Shawn walking over and to kneel beside him.

"My only regret is I didn't finish my quest. If I know Zemeckis, he is going to go after Caleb and the half of the medallion along with my son."

"Caleb can handle it. He'll protect your son until his dying breath. Now, brace yourself, you're going to feel some discomfort."

Shawn chanted the spell quickly, his hand first glowing blue, then purple. He placed his hand on the wound, making Jonah grunt in discomfort as he felt the torn flesh knitting itself together. It didn't take long, Shawn indicating for him to lift his shirt so he could check the results.

"That should do it," Shawn said, giving the healed-over spot a prod.

"I owe you again. My debt is getting longer," Jonah chuckled, feeling a flash of amazement as he felt the place where his injury had been. It was good as new, dried blood being the only evidence of any wound at all.

"So, what do we do now?" Shawn asked, sitting against the opposite wall, next to his sword.

"First, we rest while we can. Then we head to Caloren and try to get supporters for the war that will eventually break out. We won't win a fight with Zemeckis as we are now, even with your abilities."

"Sounds like a plan to me."

"Cindur, create an illusion so we can get a little shut eye."

"Yes master."

__

Caleb rode into the small town just as the sun was setting in the horizon, sending a blaze of red and orange across the sky.

"Humph, the badger was right about the path. I thought he would be trying to trick me."

He saw a horse stable at the entrance to the town and pulled up in front of it, a young fox with simple clothes greeting him.

"Greetings good sir. What can I do for you?"

"I need some lodging for my horse."

"Certainly. Right this way please."

The fox lead him to an empty stall, Caleb swinging gracefully down and awarding Rouge with a pat on the neck. The badger hadn't lied about the speed of the horse either.

"How much for lodging?"

"It's a gold piece a night. We provide the food and water along with a blanket and exercise."

"Fair enough," Caleb said, looking out at the town through the open door. "Is there an inn or tavern that I can get information from? As well as lodgings?"

"Umm?" the young fox said, scratching his head. "There's the Silver Fang tavern. It's where my father goes to relax he says."

"Thanks little guy. Take good care of him for me."

"Will do sir," the fox said with a smile.

Caleb smiled back and patted the boy on the shoulder, before heading back out into town. Tall lamp posts lined the streets, giving off a soft glow around the town as people of all sorts headed home to their families. Guards patrolled the streets, giving Caleb a once over before continuing.

"This town has a priest. I can feel the holy magic in the air," Raigen said in Caleb's head.

"It also has guards."

"We are near the castle. Besides, guards shouldn't be a problem if you keep your cool," Raigen chuckled.

"Quiet you."

The Silver Fang Inn came into view around the corner. He examined the three story building briefly, before pulling his fedora over his eyes and making his way up to the front door. The chime over the door made everybody look as Caleb entered. The atmosphere inside seemed calm and jovial, as people went back to drinking and talking, seeing nothing unusual about this new stranger.

He looked around, studying the inn. The middle part held about eight round tables which were currently packed with people with drinks. On the far side were tables set up for eating, a couple of patrons there digging into their food. At the other end was a small stage, holding a piano that was currently being played by a cheetah, a rousing tune coming from the instrument.

"Greetings stranger. What can I do for you?"

Caleb looked to his left to see a deer behind a bar cleaning a glass. He walked over and took a seat on one of the wooden stools.

"How much for lodging?"

"Two gold pieces a night, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Linen is provided for you as well as soap. No smoking or drinking is allowed in the rooms. Also, no having "fun" in the privacy of your room. Our maids don't like cleaning after people."

"Sounds fine to me."

The deer nodded, turning around and reaching for one of the many keys on the wall.

"Room two thirty five on the second floor."

"Thank you."

Caleb walked up the stairs and down the hall to his room. The door unlocked noiselessly, speaking of good upkeep. A single bed sat in the corner of the room next to a fair sized dresser. On the dresser was a lamp and two towels, as well as a robe. He walked over and sat on the bed, a bit surprised at its softness.

"What now master Caleb?" Raigen asked, leaning on the wall, arms crossed.

"We look for the boy's home and then keep our promise."

"Should we ask now before it gets to dark?"

"Yeah."

Caleb got to his feet, Raigen disappearing into his body. He went back down the stairs after locking the door securely, finding an empty seat at the bar. The sound of laughing and talking filled the room, along with the jaunty melody from the piano. A female raccoon at the other end of the bar caught sight of him, making her way over.

"Well hello there stranger. You new here?" she asked in a soft, sultry voice.

"You could say that," Caleb replied, setting his hat down on the bar.

"Well then, what brings you to our little town?" she asked, leaning a little over the bar, "accidentally" showing a little cleavage.

"I'm looking for somebody."

"Are you a hunter looking for a mark?"

"No. I'm looking for Jonah Coel's son."

His gaze flicked briefly to her tail, which twitched irregularly in a distracting manner, the tip tapping on the bar absently.

"You're looking for Isaiah then I presume?"

"That's correct."

"What has he done to meet such attention?"

"I'm afraid is none of your concern," Caleb said coldly.

"Well, you don't have to be rude about it," she said with a humph, straightening back up and adjusting her blouse. "Can I get you something to drink?"

"Tea will be fine."

She nodded her head briefly, still looking irritated, before turning to fix his drink.

"I think she was coming on to you," Raigen chuckled.

"Not my type."

"Sure she's not. When was the last time you were with somebody?"

"Not now Raigen," Caleb growled mentally.

"Fine, fine. My lips are sealed."

He gave the raccoon a nod of thanks as she came back with his drink. The tea smelled sweet, the aroma filling his nose pleasantly. He took a slow sip, the hot liquid filling his body with warmth. The herbs in it made him feel giddy, drawing a small purr from his throat.

"Decent tea," he murred, taking another sip. "Now that I know his name, I have to find him. But I can't do it now, cause the guards would probably lock me up. I'll wait 'til morning."

__

"Thanks for cheering me up. I needed that," Isaiah said, walking down the path from Zack's house.

"Anytime my friend. You know I'm always here for you," Zack said with a smile. "Want me to escort you home?"

"No, I'll be alright. Thanks though. Have a good night."

"You too Isaiah."

Isaiah waved goodbye to his friend, starting his journey back home. He glanced up at the sky, groaning as he saw the shade of it.

"Oh no, it's later then I thought. I had better head home."

He headed down the hill and took a detour through the alleyways. People often used to be held up by thieves during the night, but Zack's father had put a stop to that by having a guard patrol at nights, watching over the city and keeping its peaceful residents safe. He cut behind the market, humming a tune in his head, when suddenly, he heard a faint yelp.

"What was that?" he said to himself, looking around for the source of the cry.

"Get her!" a voice shouted from above him.

He looked up to see a cloaked figure running across the rooftops, followed closely by three more.

"Somebody's in trouble."

He followed as best he could, weaving around buildings and using his knowledge of the city to keep pace. Finally, the figure in the lead made a mistake in its flight, its pursuers surrounding it with a swift, predatory professionalism.

Isaiah panted from the run, the words of one of the pursuers bouncing down off the surrounding buildings to his ear as he looked up at them. "You betrayed Zemeckis. You don't deserve to live anymore."

"Zemeckis is using you. Why can't you see that?!" the feminine voice shouted back.

"Quiet wench. We'll kill you for those false lies!"

Isaiah watched helplessly as they advanced in a group upon the lone figure.

"I have to do something."

He looked around frantically, trying to find anything he could possibly use, when he spotted a guard walking down the next street on patrol. He rushed over quickly in a panic.

"Guard! Come quick!"

"Its a little late for you to be out in the street young man," the guard replied.

"Never mind that. Somebody's in trouble!"

"What?! Where at?" he asked, readying his sword.

Isaiah ran back to the place he had seen the figures, the guard hot on his heels.

"Up there," he said, pointing, where the figures were now locked in some kind of combat, the motions indistinct and confusing from this angle.

The guard looked up, a perplexed expression on his face.

"I don't see anything. Look young man, don't waste my time with foolish jokes. I have a patrol to do."

"But there really is somebody up there," he said, hearing another yelp, that sounded a lot like the one he had heard earlier.

"Go home son, before I lock you up for breaking curfew," the guard grunted before walking away in annoyance.

"But-" The guard wasn't listening, heading back to his duties.

A loud crash caught his attention, and he whirled to see a body laying out over some broken barrels, pickles and cucumbers spilling out into the street.

"Damn! I have to do something, but what?"

An idea popped into his head, sending him running around into a dark alley. "I hope this works." He cupped his hands over his mouth and started shouting at an angle so it echoed. "It came from over there men! Maybe it's a thief!"

"What do we do Lazer? The guards are coming!" came a voice from the roof.

"We finish the traitor off," came the response, heavy footfalls sounding on the shingles as the owner of the voice moved towards the edge.

"You two, go around the back and corner them!" Isaiah shouted, trying to see what was happening around the walls of the building.

"Lazer, you know our magic power is heavily reduced without a host. We have to go."

A fierce growl sounded in response to the statement. "You got lucky Glacier. But I will come back to finish you off. Let's go."

Isaiah's eyes widened as the three figures leaped overhead, fleeing away over the rooftops, thankfully not noticing him. Cautiously, he peeked out of the alley, seeing the fallen form still lying where it had been thrown. He made his way over slowly, watching warily for any movement.

"Hey, you okay?" he asked, crouching down beside the prone figure.

He reached over and touched the figure's shoulder, resulting in a high pitch whine and a flinch from the face-down person.

"That must be broken. I need to move you some place so I can fix that. Hang on."

He lifted the figure up carefully, noticing with surprise how light it was.

"I can't take you home. Grandfather would have an apoplexy. I guess my hideout will work."

He hurried through the back alleys, making sure to avoid the guards, the figure groaning in his arms as he tried to keep it from bouncing around too much, until he got to a run down wooden shack. Kicking open the door, he placed the figure gently on the make-shift bed.

"Alright. Let's see what I'm working with." He reached for the hood, the figure merely groaning in response.

The hood fell back, and his eyes widened in shock as its owner was revealed.

"It's a girl!" How could anyone attack a girl like this? It was appalling!

Long, azure fur covered the canine features, the trademark pointed ears and wolf-like shape of the face speaking of husky heritage. The coloration was nearly as surprising as the gender, blue furred huskies were rarely seen in these parts.

A small black marking broke the sea of blue on her left cheek, the only other aberration was a small cut on her forehead, that thankfully didn't look serious. Her eyes opened slowly, revealing enchanting violet orbs that arrested his gaze.

'Who......are......you?" she whined weakly.

"My name's Isaiah. I'm a friend." he said softly, shaking himself away from staring at her. He prodded her her arm again, wincing as the action made her yelp. "Looks like you have a broken arm."

"Lazer.....where is....he?"

"I scared them away with a little trick I learned. Hold still, my grandfather taught me how to heal a little."

He closed his eyes and focused, just like his grandfather had taught him. He felt the magic around him gather in his hand, making the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. Once he gathered it, the energy glowing white, he placed his hand on her arm. She let out a sharp bark of shock, as the bone mended itself back together smoothly.

"There, that should do it." he said, breathing a little heavy, feeling a bit light-headed. "I forgot how much that takes out of you. I don't know how grandfather does it."

"Thank you," she said with a smile, moving her arm slowly.

"You should be fine here for the night. Sorry it's not fancy, but it was kind of made in a rush."

"It's okay."

"I have to head home before my grandfather kills me. I'll be back tomorrow with some food." Isaiah said, getting up and heading for the door. "Oh yeah, what's your name?"

"It's Glacier. Thank you again... Isaiah."

"Your quite welcome," he said with a bow, before making his exit. He hated leaving her so soon after meeting her, but he had no choice. He would find out more about her in the morning.

__

Caleb let out a groan, the knocking on the door sounding like an angry woodpecker.

"Who is it and what do you want?"

"Room service. I have to clean your room," came a muffled voice from outside.

"Fine, fine. Just give me a second."

He hastily put on a pair of pants and opened the door, to see the same raccoon from last night standing with her hand on he hip.

"Well, THIS is a lovely view to be greeted by," she said lustfully, licking her lips as her eyes roamed wantonly over his toned chest and arms.

"It's too early for that," Caleb sighed, turning his back on her and heading back in.

He grabbed a wash cloth from the dresser before heading for the bathroom to start truly waking up. Turning on the sink, he filled it warm water, slowly washing his face and the sleep from his mind. He jumped when he felt hands on his back.

"I could wash your back for you," she purred into his ear, her muzzle inches away.

"Don't you have work to do?" he asked, shrugging off her paw and dipping the cloth back into the water, squeezing it out and washing his neck.

"Consider it a free gesture of good service."

Caleb grinned toothily, turning around and looking straight into her jade green eyes.

"You want to help me huh?"

"In more ways then one," she said, eye lids closing halfway as he caressed her cheek softly.

"Then tell me where Isaiah lives?"

"Is that all? He lives with his grandfather Jeremy Glauze, who happens to be the priest of this town. His house is right next to the church. Find the church and you'll find little Isaiah. Now," she said, running her fingers through his soft chest tuft. "How about that rub down?"

She leaned forward for a kiss, lips puckering up, but he dodged skillfully, brushing past her. She crossed her arms in frustration, her tail puffing up behind her as she whirled to face him again.

"What? I'm not good enough for you?"

"I have things to do today, you not being one of them," Caleb said, putting on his white silk shirt. He grabbed his fedora and placed it over his head, completing his outfit. "Thanks for the info."

Grabbing his cane by the door, he left to the sound of curses behind him.

"Ever the smooth talker," Raigen chuckled.

"Don't start Raigen," Caleb growled.

He walked down to the main floor, the place now somewhat empty except for the few patrons eating breakfast. The deer looked at him as he sat down at the bar.

"Are you finished for the night?" the deer asked.

"Yes."

"I take it you don't want breakfast?"

"I'll pass thank you. Just some tea will do."

The deer nodded briefly, turning away to fix the requested beverage. It only took a moment, and Caleb thanked him before taking off his hat and grabbing a sip of the hot liquid.

"I felt elemental activity last night," Raigen spoke up.

"Did you see what happened?"

"No. I got there too late. But I did see somebody carrying something."

"Not my concern then."

"Just thought you would like to know."

Caleb finished the tasty drink with a murr, before standing up and placing the money down on the counter for the room. Grabbing his hat and cane, he headed out into the busy streets.

"All right. Let's find the church."

A passing guard pointed him in the right direction, across the town. It didn't take overly long, even winding his way through the bustling crowds. There, sitting next to a lake, was the church, people pouring out from the morning sermon.

Caleb leaned on a nearby tree, just watching for the moment, waiting for the crowds to clear.

An elderly man dressed as a priest stood by the door, speaking with another man. They didn't notice him, their conversation audible to his sensitive ears.

"Wonderful sermon Father," the younger man said.

"I try my best," the older, who Caleb decided must be Jeremy, replied.

"I have to pick up my clothes from the tailor. I'll see you later Father."

"Take care my son."

Caleb waited a moment more as the man left, the priest returning inside the church, before following the priest. Inside, he was greeted by a single long, red and gold rug leading to the altar. On either side of the rug a single row of benches marched from door to altar, now empty of church-goers. A brown cross hung on the back wall behind the altar, a wooden table with several lit candles underneath. He spotted Jeremy on one knee with his head bowed.

"Father Jeremy Glauze?" Caleb said, padding up behind the man.

"Morning sermon is over my child," he replied without turning around.

"I'm not here for the sermon."

Jeremy stood up finally, turning slowly to peer questioningly at Caleb.

"Then what can I do for you my son?"

"I'm here to see Isaiah, master Jonah's son."

Jeremy's left eyebrow twitched at that name, a flash of anger crossing his face.

"That name no longer has any meaning to me."

"I don't care if it has meaning or not. I need to find Isaiah."

"I bid you good day my son." Jeremy bowed curtly, before brushing past him on his way to the door.

"Raigen, block the door."

Raigen appeared in a flash of lighting in front of the door as Jeremy chuckled, seeing Raigen with his arms crossed in front of the door.

"A lighting djinn? So this is how Jonah repays me? Sending an assassin to kill me and take his son?"

"I'm not here to kill you old man. All I want, is Isaiah."

Jeremy sighed, sitting down in the back pew.

"Why do you need to see him?"

"I need to give him this," Caleb said, showing him the broken half of the medallion.

"So... It has come to this has it?"

"What are you talking about?" Caleb asked.

"My past is coming back to haunt me."

__

"Here, eat this, I made it myself," Isaiah said, handing Glacier a bowl with some rice and chicken. "I also got Mrs Iris to lend me some of her daughter's old clothes. They should fit you."

"Thank you," Glacier said with a grateful smile, taking the food and clothing. She dug into the rice with gusto, making her tail wag happily. "Wow... This is good. You're a good cook."

"Thanks." He watched her eat for a moment, admiring the way her vivid blue coat seemed to shimmer in the shaft of brilliant sunlight coming through the hole in the roof. He really needed to get around to fixing that... "I don't mean to be rude, but what are you exactly?"

"I'm an elemental djinn."

He blinked, his mind stalling as it attempted to process the unfamiliar term. "Say what?"

Glacier chuckled at his confused look, licking her lips to collect the few grains of rice that stuck there.

"I'm what you would call a spiritual being, one who possesses power over an element. I can control and manipulate water."

She held her hand out, palm up, a smile on her face. Instantly, an iridescent bubble appeared, floating up in front of Isaiah. Wonderingly, he reached over and held it in his hands, marveling that it didn't break at his touch.

"That's... amazing!"

He peered at it more closely, as if trying to divine some secret from it, when it suddenly popped, spilling the water it carried all over his clothes. He groaned in annoyance as Glacier laughed gleefully.

"Very funny."

"Sorry, I couldn't help myself."

"When I tried to get the guard to help you, he said he couldn't see you. Why is that?" Isaiah asked, squeezing the water out of shirt.

"Djinns can only be seen by those that carry a certain quality in their blood. We have yet to determine if it's passed on from parent to child or developed over time."

"So how can I see you then?"

"Who is your father?" she asked, taking another spoonful of rice. "Maybe you got it from him."

"Jonah Coel."

She choked a little on the food, staring at him as she caught her breath, surprise written on her face.

"You're THE Jonah Coel's son?"

"You... You know my father?" Isaiah asked incredulously.

"I-I... I have only heard about him. He's helped many of those in our world."

"Where are you from?"

"A place known as Almekia. It is sort of like your world, but with far more of us."

She polished off the last of food, letting out a contented sigh as she dropped the fork into the bowl.

"So why did you leave? Was it because of those people chasing you?"

Her ears flattened against her skull, her eyes downcast, avoiding his gaze and scuffing her feet.

"I betrayed-"

"Hey Isaiah, you in here?" came Zach's voice, the door swinging open behind them.

Isaiah jumped, feeling a flash of panic as Zack looked first at him, then Glacier, his brow raising slightly in surprise. He broke out in a huge grin, seeming to arrive at some amusing conclusion.

"Well... It seems that I caught you at a... busy... time. I'll come back."

"Wait, hang on Zack," Isaiah said, grabbing his arm. "You can see her?"

"Umm, yes? Of course I can. Why do you ask?"

"Forget I asked. What brings you by?"

"You weren't home, so I figured you would be here. I did help build this with you after all."

Isaiah chuckled as Zack looked at Glacier.

"And who is this lovely lady?"

"Her name is Glacier. I helped her out of some trouble last night."

"Well Glacier," Zack said, taking her hand and kissing it. "My name is Zack Tatami. A pleasure to you meet you."

"Oh......um......thank you," she said, seeming flustered, her tail twitching wildly.

Isaiah rolled his eyes before prying her hand loose from Zach's gentle grip.

"What's wrong? Jealous?" Zack said with a grin.

"Not really, Zackery."

Glacier chuckled at that, making Zack's ears go red, an irritated growl rumbling from his throat.

"That's low Isaiah."

"Sorry, I had to bring you down to earth. So what's your real reason for being here?"

"I saw your grandfather talking to some stranger in the church. I've never seen him before, but they were in what looked like a pretty deep conversation."

"Really? That's strange. I guess I'll check it out. Will you be okay for a few minutes Glacier?"

"Of course she'll be okay. I'll be with her," Zack said, flexing his muscles.

"Nice try," Isaiah said, eliciting a yip from the wolf/fox as he grabbed his tail. "I'll be right back. See if those clothes fit, and if not I'll bring you some more."

"Okay," Glacier said with a nod.

Dragging Zack along with him, Isaiah headed for the church.

__

"I was given one simple task to do. Destroy the box along with the medallion," Jeremy sighed.

"You know about the box?" Caleb asked.

"Of course I know."

"Then what happened that you to came to be here instead of with master Jonah?"

Jeremy considered Caleb for a moment, before rolling up his right sleeve, revealing a deep scar running all the way up from wrist to elbow.

"I lost this arm to Zemeckis, as well as my djinn Khroma. It took all of my healing skills to even feel sensation in my nerves. I never got the chance to destroy the box or medallion. He just... overpowered me. I never felt so weak in my entire life."

"How does master Jonah fit into all of this?"

"Seeing how badly I had been beaten, he took it upon himself to destroy the box along with the medallion. And my daughter, Lynn, was foolish enough to follow him, even though she was about to deliver the child she was carrying. He fought Zemeckis in Egrees castle and barely came away with his life, much less anything else. But during the fight, Lynn managed to steal them both and escape. She brought them back to me, and I hid them away. Soon after that, she gave birth to Isaiah."

Jeremy rolled his sleeve back down and ran his hand through his hair with a sigh.

"Then Zemeckis' army found us in the town we were staying in. I still couldn't use my arm well enough to fight, so I hid with Isaiah. I told her to follow me, but she said she couldn't leave Jonah alone. I was forced to watch uselessly, as everybody fought helplessly against his army. The blood shed was... massive. It covered the streets as well as the walls of the houses before they were burnt to the ground. Then, the moment that I didn't want to happen, unfolded in front of my eyes. Zemeckis had Lynn by the throat, telling Jonah to give him the medallion and the box or she dies."

Jeremy balled his fists angrily as he recalled that terrible night.

"That fool gave him the box like an idiot. Then..." Jeremy paused, a single tear rolling down his cheek. "I watched that madman laugh before driving his sword right through her chest. Enraged, I came out of hiding. Using what little magic I had left, I unleashed it at him. It caused an explosion big enough to destroy anything. But... somehow... he survived.

He paused briefly, shaking his head regretfully. "I knew it didn't work, because I could hear laughing, even in the flames that surrounded him. During the explosion, Jonah grabbed me and his son, escaping while hidden by the cloud of debris. He had Isaiah in his arms as we ran. We managed to get to a sage's house after running for god knows how long. Then, he had the nerve to tell me to take the medallion and leave the world. I laughed at that before grabbing Isaiah out his arms. I told him I refused to leave Isaiah in the arms of an idiot. He let Lynn die meaninglessly, and I didn't want that to happen to the only thing that was left of Lynn."

He glanced up at the cross, closing his eyes briefly.

"I told him... His son will never know he even existed."

"You had no right to say that," Caleb growled.

"What the hell do you know? You didn't lose your flesh and blood in that massacre."

"Even still, a child has the right to know about his parents."

"His father is dead to me. He died the night my daughter did."

The church doors swung open to reveal Isaiah, standing stock still, tears running down his face.

"Isaiah?" Jeremy said, standing up. "Isaiah, listen-"

"I don't know you anymore!" Isaiah shouted angrily. With a choked sob, he turned his back and fled, sending a stab of pain through Jeremy's heart. That look on his face...

"Isaiah wait," Zack shouted, as his friend pushed past him.

Zack glared at Jeremy, giving him an evil growl before running off to try and catch up to Isaiah. Jeremy collapsed back into the pew, striking the wooden bench with a clenched fist in frustration.

"You brought this upon yourself, Jeremy," Caleb said coolly. With a tip of his hat, he stalked out the front door, his djinn at his side, leaving Jeremy to stew in his regrets.

__

Isaiah huddled up on the sandy shore, a soft breeze making him shudder a bit, wishing he had brought a coat. The waves from the lake washed up near his feet, leaving foamy remains on the beach, as if the water wished to escape the prison of its shores. His mind spun in circles, the words he had just heard buzzing around like enraged hornets, stinging him again and again.

"Father may have made the wrong choice, but that's no reason to tell him that I'm dead to him."

He heard somebody clear their throat behind him. Looking back, he saw Glacier standing there, looking a bit worried. She was wearing a pair of grey linen pants along with a white doublet, which seemed to fit her nicely, accenting her form and highlighting her vivid natural colors.

"Isaiah, are you alright?"

"I... I don't even know anymore."

She plunked herself down next to him, gazing out over the water.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"It's my... my grandfather... He lied about the reason I grew up without knowing my parents. I just found out that..." He swallowed hard, having trouble speaking as he tried to accept the facts. "That my mom was killed... because of a choice my father made. Ever since that choice, he's hated my father. He hated him so much to go as far as saying I was dead to him."

"Maybe he did it to protect you?"

"Protection or not, I deserve to know who my father was."

He sighed heavily, picking up a rock and tossing it out over the water, the stone bouncing a couple of times on the surface before sinking away.

"Sometimes Isaiah, the truth is kept from us for a reason," Glacier said softly, laying a hand on his shoulder.

He glanced at her briefly, before tossing another rock into the water. They sat together quietly, suiting Isaiah's mood, the gently lapping water the only thing to break the melancholy silence. Suddenly, her ears perked up at something, whatever it was making her stand and look around, worry clearly evident on her face.

"No... he's back." she said fearfully, a hint of panic in her expressive eyes. "Isaiah, we have to go!"

"What? Why?"

"I told you I would be back, traitor."

A figure wearing a black hooded robe stepped from behind a nearby tree, a predator's grace in his stride as he prowled towards them. Isaiah's eyes widened, recalling that this was one of the voices from the rooftop. The one called Lazer.

"This time, I brought a friend with me."

A short man appeared beside Lazer, making Glacier growl.

"Lance!? Still being a lap dog to Zemeckis I see."

"Quiet traitor. When I heard what you did, I gladly volunteered to go along with Lazer to get rid of you."

"And now that I have a host, I can go all out," Lazer said, taking off his hood, revealing the grinning visage of a fennec. The amused expression belied the look in his eyes; cold, ruthless intent, clear readiness to maim and destroy.

"I don't know who you guys are, but I won't let you hurt Glacier," Isaiah said, summoning his courage and standing in front of her protectively.

They both laughed at him, now with genuine amusement, their absolute confidence making him feel small and insignificant.

"Don't interfere in things that don't concern-" Lance cut off, looking at him more closely. "Well I'll be damned. You're Jonah's son aren't you? Oh, this just makes it even better."

"How... how do you know my father?" Isaiah asked in surprise.

"Don't worry about it. You'll see him soon enough. Lazer, you know what to do."

"Isaiah run!!" Glacier shouted.

"I don't think so." Lazer grinned wickedly.

Isaiah hesitated for a split-second, unsure of what to do, before the earth around him started shaking. He yelled in shock as the sand around his feet molded and morphed, rising up around him and turning into a cage, locking him in.

"Let him go Lazer," Glacier growled. "This is between you and me."

"Not anymore." Lance grinned. "Lazer, kill her."

"With pleasure," he said, licking his lips.

He struck the ground with his foot, sending a crushing wave of sand at her. She held her hand out, causing the water to come alive and warp around her like a shield as Lazer's attack hit her, the brunt of the brutal blow absorbing into the liquid. She held her ground firmly, but let out a grunt of effort, gritting her teeth as she attempted to hold off the powerful strike. Isaiah shouted a warning she didn't seem to hear, focused on defending herself as she was, as Lazer just seemed to... vanish into the ground, burrowing with impossible speed. Dropping the shield as the attack dissipated, she let out a yelp as Lazer exploded from below behind her, grabbing her in an iron grip.

"I'm going to enjoy killing you, nice and slow," Lazer growled harshly, his fangs inches from her ear as if to give her a loving nibble, although his intent was clearly far, far more sinister. She struggled wildly against him, crying out as his hold tightened around her neck.

"No! Glacier!" Isaiah cried out helplessly. He had to help her! But how?

__

Raigen's feathers rustled as he looked behind him, peering curiously off into the distance.

"Master... wait."

"What's wrong?" Caleb asked.

"I feel strong elemental magic coming from the lake"

Caleb knelt down on one knee, placing his hand on the earth and closing his eyes, tuning into the language of the soil and rocks below. He felt the earth groan in pain, as if a terrible power were being forced through it, forming it against its will.

"An earth djinn. We find it, and I bet we find Isaiah. Come on."

__

Glacier let out a pained yelp as she slammed into another tree, before crashing heavily to the ground.

"Leave her alone!" Isaiah shouted, fear for his new friend coursing through him as he struggled against the bars of his cage. It was useless, they were strong as forged steel.

"Leave her alone? But we're having so much fun together. Aren't we Glacier?" Lazer laughed roughly, giving the prone husky a brutal kick in the ribs.

Another vicious kick elicited a cry from Glacier, making him wince. 'I have to do something or she'll die. But what?' Then, a crazy idea popped into his head.

"Hey, Lazer?" he shouted.

Lazer turned towards him a little, one eyebrow raised in question, a mocking smile on his face.

"Are you scared to fight me also? Is that why you have me behind bars?"

"I'm not scared to fight you. But I'm not allowed to hurt you."

"So you are scared? I knew it."

Lazer growled ominously, eyes narrowing. He turned his back on the downed husky, prowling towards the cage.

"You've got balls kid. Even though I'm not supposed to hurt you, I can always say you fell down a cliff," Lazer said, gesturing imperiously, making the bars dissolve back into sand. "Very well, show me what you can do. I could use a laugh."

Isaiah wasted no time in leaping forward, tackling Lazer to the ground with desperate fury. Lazer easily flipped him off, knocking the air out of Isaiah with a foot to the stomach, before flipping back onto his feet. Isaiah lay there on his back for a moment, catching his breath, urgency screaming at him to get up. That had hurt!

Finally, after what seemed far too long, he got to his feet, turning towards Lazer, who stood with folded arms. He charged, throwing wild swings which Lazer easily dodged, a bored expression on his face. He reared back and put everything he had into a blow, aiming to wipe that smug look away for good... But Lazer simply casually stepped to the side, grabbing his arm in an iron grip and twisting it painfully behind his back, holding him at bay as if he were a child.

"Wow, you're really tough. You have me shaking."

Isaiah's blood boiled at the comment. He threw his head back wildly, and by some miracle, felt it connect solidly with Lazer's nose, making the fennec yelp. Breaking free of the now loosened grasp, he spun around and landed two solid blows to Lazer's face, staggering the shocked fennec. He wound up to deliver another blow, when a hand made of sand grabbed him, lifting him into the air. Lazer let out an angry, dangerous growl, running a finger over his bleeding lip.

"Playtime is over."

The hand lifted Isaiah higher into the air, before coming down hard onto the earth, drawing a yell of pain from Isaiah. It felt like every bone in his body had been broken simultaneously, even though the part of his mind that still managed some level of conscious thought told him that THAT would have been far worse. Lazer followed up with a brutal kick that sent him tumbling over next to Glacier, a particular stab of brilliant pain flaring up from his side as the blow connected, a nearly silent grunt of agony escaping him as his breath whooshed out.

"Not too much pain Lazer. We need him able to walk," Lance said.

Isaiah let out a groan, holding his side, Glacier turning her head towards him, concern in her eyes despite the beating she herself had just taken.

"Damn.....I think.....he broke a......rib."

"Isaiah, we can't beat them as we are," she said weakly, appearing in barely better shape than he was. "We... we have to bond together."

"What do you mean.....bond?"

"Become one person. My spirit will join with your body."

"How do we do that?"

"Kiss me."

Isaiah stared at her in confusion, the pain momentarily fading slightly in his surprise.

"What?"

"Kiss me. It's the quickest way."

"But-"

"Just do it."

Isaiah felt perplexed at this bizarre concept, his addled mind struggling to make sense of it, but he decided to simply trust her, nodding his head and leaning closer. She met him halfway, their lips pressing together gently, yet firmly. A gasp escaped through his nose as he immediately felt an incredible power rush into his body, like warm, golden sunlight streaming down not just on, but directly into him. Into his very soul.

His eyes widened in shock, as right in front of him, Glacier... melted, turning into sparkling drops of water, which somehow absorbed directly into his body. New strength coursed through him, giving him the fortitude to push himself up to his feet. He examined his body wonderingly, but nothing appeared out of the ordinary. He could hear ethereal voices all around him, all talking at once, before they abruptly calmed down into a quiet whisper, fading away.

"What....just happened?" Isaiah asked. Somewhere inside him, the unusual power swirled and cascaded, bubbled and foamed, feeling ready to release at any moment. It seemed to carry with it the sense of the mighty rolling strength of the ocean, the gentle pitter-patter of falling rain, and the babbling of countless streams and brooks, all rushing towards crashing waterfalls and mysterious depths.

"We bonded together," Glacier's voice replied, making him jump and look around.

"Where are you?"

"I have become a part of "your soul. It's kind of complicated to get into now."

"I feel......full of energy. But what are all the voices I heard?"

The sound of a slow, condescending clapping caught his attention, making him turn towards the other two, who he had almost forgotten about in the heady rush. Lazer and Lance watched him calmly, seeming unperturbed by the new development.

"Congratulations Glacier. You bonded. But you realize that won't help you," Lazer said.

Isaiah glared at him, balling his hands into fists.

"Let's take care of him."

"I'm with you. My power is yours to command."

Lazer let out a fearsome howl, a vortex of sand covering his body. Isaiah covered his face against the stinging grains of sand that blew around him, Lazer laughing madly as he built up his power.

"Stop it Lazer, you're not supposed to kill him!" Lance shouted.

"That doesn't matter to me anymore. Since she bonded with him, I'll kill them both!"

He floated to the middle of the vortex like a vengeful demon on fell wings, laughing like a madman.

"Time to die."

The sand began to harden, forming a massive, burly body around Lazer, followed by arms, legs, and finally a head. Isaiah looked up at the titanic sand golem, mouth hanging open in shock.

"Prepared to be crushed by the very earth you walk on," Lazer's voice echoed from inside the golem.

Isaiah snapped out of his shock when he saw that giant foot coming down at him. He leaped to the side, the breeze from the blow sweeping past him, the ground shaking as the strike impacted, sending up a spray of sand.

"How do you beat something like that?" Isaiah cried, panicked.

"You cannot beat me."

Isaiah scrambled to his feet, dodging another stomp. His eyes were paying attention to the golem instead of where he was going, and he crashed hard into a tree, bouncing off onto his back with a grunt. The golem casually picked him up and began to squeeze, like he were a fruit to be tested for ripeness. Lazer chuckled nastily at his cry of pain.

"I love the sound of torture, don't you?"

Isaiah gasped as he felt his body being squeezed hard, his bones seeming to creak from the strain, blood coming out his mouth as he coughed, straining to breathe. He felt the world around him start to go black, the last vestiges of his strength draining away, his head drooping against his chest...

__

Lighting struck the golem's arm, breaking it off, freeing Isaiah to tumble into the water. Lazer let out a yell of pain, spinning around, the ground shuddering under the massive weight of the golem.

"Who dares interfere?" he growled, turning his back on the downed human. So pitiful. Even linked, they were barely even worth the effort.

He peered around in confusion, searching for his attacker. Why would someone step in to save this traitor and her human fool? He looked out over the water to see Isaiah standing on top of it, foaming liquid swirling around him.

"I've. Had. Enough!" Isaiah shouted angrily.

Five columns of water swirled up around him, each one twisting and morphing into, before turning into dragon's heads. As one, they let out a ferocious roar, their eyes simultaneously locking on to Lazer, menace in the watery gazes.

"Come on then. Show me what you got boy!" Lazer shouted, anger coursing through him. He just wouldn't give up and die!

With a wordless command, Isaiah pointed his finger towards the golem, causing the dragons to surge forward. Lazer drove his fist into the ground, sending a massive wall of rock rising up towards the sky, protecting himself against the onrushing water dragons. Yet it wasn't enough to stop them, as they broke through the wall with ease, crashing down with mighty force, wrapping themselves around the golem and lifting it into the air.

"It's over."

Lazer didn't know why, but for some reason, those words sent a stab of fear through him. His blood surged with his pounding heart as he gathered his power, struggling to break free...

__

Another dragon appeared behind Isaiah, roaring fearsomely before surging towards the golem. With a snap of his fingers, the dragon turned to solid ice, plunging directly into the golem's chest, making Lazer yell in pain. The golem started to dissolve, clumps of dirt and mud falling to the ground, revealing Lazer lying still, a hole in his chest where the dragon struck, blood coming out his mouth.

"Im...possible. To...be defeated...like this," he coughed.

He looked up at Isaiah as he came to stand over him with Glacier at his side, a defiant glare in his eye.

"You....." he growled weakly, before coughing again, more blood staining his chest. With a final gasp, his eyes went lifeless, body going completely still.

"I'll be back for you boy. You can count on it," Lance said, disappearing in a cloud of black smoke.

Glacier smiled and looked at Isaiah.

"Good job Isaiah. You did it."

Isaiah didn't answer her as he fell to the ground, exhaustion taking over as his adrenaline left him.

__

Isaiah woke up with a jump, holding his head with a groan as a stab of pain lanced through him.

"Where am I? What happened?"

He looked around to find he was in his room. The sun was shining in through the window, the birds chirping merrily outside. He got up slowly, feeling a little weak in the knees, before heading to the door. He could hear voices downstairs as he opened his door.

"Grandfather?"

"Down here Isaiah."

Isaiah walked down the stairs, peering into the kitchen to see Glacier sitting at the table with his grandfather, along with a snow leopard and a hawk of some kind, neither of whom he knew.

"Good morning. I see you're finally up. You've been out all night," the snow leopard said, taking a sip from the mug in his hand.

"Who are you?"

"Name's Caleb. I'm a friend of your father. I'm here to protect and train you."

"Protect me? Where were you when Glacier and I needed the help?" Confusion flashed through him. Who was this person?

"I did help you. I set you free from the golem's grip. You probably don't remember much though, because you were a little... out of it."

"Have a seat Isaiah," Jeremy said, directing him to the open seat next to him. "I'll tell you the reason Caleb is here."

Isaiah sat down next to Jeremy as he exhaled deeply, closing his eyes a for a moment before looking back at Isaiah.

"Isaiah....everything you heard me say about your father is true. I didn't like how he got my daughter killed. Your mother loved him for reasons I don't know. I blame myself for not doing my job in the first place. Your father took it upon himself to carry on what I couldn't do."

"What was it you were supposed to do?" Isaiah asked, stifling the flash of emotions that the words summoned. Now wasn't the time to let his anger take over again. Maybe now, he would finally get the truth.

"Hold out your hand Isaiah."

Isaiah held out his hand tentatively, allowing Jeremy to place some kind of metal coin into it. Jeremy closed his fist around Isaiah's, making him grip the coin tightly.

"I was supposed to destroy something very dangerous, but I failed to do so. The medallion I gave you... It is the key to opening something that should never be opened by anyone or anything. And now... Now you have to be the one who destroys what I failed to."

Isaiah opened his fist as Jeremy pulled his hand back, peering at the strange object curiously. It felt cool against his palm, yet at the same time, seemed to almost... vibrate and pulse. "But it's only half."

"Master Jonah had it cut in half because he knew the situation he was in. I didn't want to leave, but I had no choice," Caleb added. "More than likely, the man responsible for your mother's death has the other half, along with your father by now."

"I was hoping to never get you involved in this Isaiah, but it looks like my failure is coming back to haunt me. I moved from city to city, trying to put enough space between them and us. I... I'm sorry again Isaiah," Jeremy said, looking regretful.

Isaiah sat quietly for a moment, pondering what he had just heard.

"Where.... Where is my father now? Do you know for sure?"

Caleb sighed, looking irritated. "I cannot say for sure. I was... ordered... to leave him and my companion in the other world, to come and give this to you, and to make sure you didn't manage to get yourself killed. It's... quite the responsibility you know, you're the only one left who can do this. That makes you rather important."

'Important? Me?' Aloud, he said, "So I have to... destroy this thing?"

"No, not the medallion," Caleb said. "There is another piece to the set. THAT is what you have to destroy. Right now... it is in the hands of a man named Zemeckis. The same one who likely has the other half of that medallion. If he gets ahold of this half..."

Isaiah snorted. "So, I need this to destroy the other thing, which the guy we are trying to keep THIS from has?"

Jeremy bowed his head. "I am afraid that is about the sum of it."

Isaiah stared at him for a moment, his mind racing. One thought surged in the forefront of his mind, more than any other. His father. He had to help his father!

Abruptly, he stood up, racing back up the stairs to his room, ignoring the look of startlement at his hasty retreat. Hurriedly, he threw a few things into a pack, gathering essentials for a journey. 'Not too much. Just what I know I'll need.'

Finishing, he ran back down the stairs as if he intended to dash off that very moment, pack slung over his back. He skidded to a halt in the kitchen, almost running right over Glacier, who had started to walk towards the stairs after him. He managed to keep him self upright with a hand on her shoulder, hastily apologizing as she stared at him in puzzlement.

"Where are you going?" Glacier asked, her gentle touch slowing his mad rush somewhat.

"Isn't it obvious? I'm going to help my father."

Jeremy looked over at him, chuckling, like he knew exactly what he was going to say.

"You were right Caleb. Like father, like son. Haring off already, barely a clue of what he's doing."

He got up and went to the closet by the stairs. Opening it, he dug around until he found what he was looking for, a gleaming white pole that held an obsidian, wickedly curved blade at the end. It glittered in the light coming from the windows, appearing sharp enough to slice through a tree in a single blow.

"Since you're going, no matter what I say, I want you to have this."

Wordlessly, he handed it to Isaiah, who stared at him in surprise.

"This... Did you use this grandfather?"

"Yes. It was my favorite weapon. It has saved me through a lot of fights. It should serve you very well with Caleb's training."

Isaiah threw his arms around him, mindful of the long scythe now in his hand, gratitude surging within him.

"Thanks grandfather."

Jeremy returned the gesture a bit hesitantly at first, then more firmly, hugging Isaiah tightly. "You... you should get going. Head to Logres and look for Lucas. He'll help you get to where your father is."

Isaiah nodded before giving him another, final hug. Caleb nodded to him silently, gesturing towards the door. "After you."

Isaiah glanced at him. "You'll help me find my father?"

Caleb snorted. "I'll keep you from doing anything too stupid. If finding your father is part of that, then yes. My main job is to keep you alive and teach you how to use you're new abilities."

That seemed as good an answer as any to Isaiah. With a nod, he strode purposely past the snow leopard, Glacier following close behind, stepping out into the sunlight. The morning sun beat down, erasing the chill of the fall morning as Isaiah inhaled the cool, fresh air, Caleb shutting the door behind him with an air of finality.

"Hang on father. I'm coming for you," Isaiah said, peering up at the sun.

The small group headed for the town exit, Isaiah leading the way, before seeing Zack leaning on a fence.

"And where are you going?" Zack asked coolly, surveying the group with a curious gaze.

"I'm going to help my father."

"Your father?" Zack asked.

"Long story, but he needs my help and I don't have time to waste."

Zack stared at him for a minute, before breaking into a broad grin.

"Hang tight for just a second."

He dashed off up the hill and into his house, as Isaiah stared after him, feeling confused. He came out a few moments later, a bag around his shoulder.

"Well, let's be going."

"Wait, you're not coming with me."

"Like hell I'm not. You're my friend Isaiah. I'm not going to stand by and watch you leave to god knows where while I wait here like a nervous wreck."

Isaiah stared at him for a moment, before bursting out laughing.

"You're a stubborn guy, but a blast to be around. Thanks."

"Anytime," Zack said with a smile.

"Let's go then."

All together, they headed out of town, following the forest trail that wound it's way off, leading into the horizon.

"Don't worry father. I'll save you if it's the last thing I do."

__

Zemeckis stood stock still in front an altar that held a large wooden box. A rainbow of colors flashed around it, swirling and congealing, before drifting apart again into misty pools, covering the wooden box in its entirety with vivid pulses. He put his hand over it, his finger-tips tingling in response to the massive, lurking power stored inside it, making him shiver with anticipation.

"Just think Abyss, power to control both worlds, right in the palm of my hands."

"Yes master," the wolf kneeling behind him said.

He turned, glancing down at his kneeling servant. 'All that I need... is one, tiny, insignificant little medallion. One more piece, and... poof. It will all be mine."

"Yes master," the wolf repeated.

A soldier walked in the room, hastily dropping to one knee, head bowed.

"Did you find them?" Zemeckis asked, casually turning his back to the man, looking at the box once more.

"No sir. W-we looked everywhere... but they've just... disappeared."

"Nobody just disappears. You just aren't looking hard enough."

"But sir-" the fool sputtered.

Useless waste of armor. "Abyss, if you don't mind." He swept his hand in a nonchalant gesture, only watching with a half glance to ensure his order was carried out.

Abyss melted into the ground. The guard cried out, leaping to his feet, attempting to flee, before he halted in his tracks abruptly with a grunt of pain. He looked down in shock, a saber embedded hilt deep in his chest. Abyss appeared from his shadow, a wicked grin on his muzzle.

"There is no escape from your fate. Embrace it."

Abyss pulled his saber out with a slurp, allowing the solider to drop to the ground, blood pooling around the prone, already lifeless body.

Lance hurried in, stopping in his tracks and staring at the body, shock flashing across his face.

"L-lord Zemeckis?" he said, finally tearing his gaze away from the dead guard.

"What do you want Lance?" Zemeckis asked, turning around slowly, giving him a cool stare.

Lance licked his lips, glancing over at the body again, before his gaze flicked back, skittering away from Zemeckis' steady stare. "I-I found J-Jonah's son, my lord."

Zemeckis' eyes lit up a little as he casually strode down the few steps.

"Where?"

"He was in Jukes. Glacier and him bonded together and killed Lazer."

Zemeckis grinned at that, rubbing his chin slowly as he pondered this new development. Lazer had finally let his overconfidence get the better of him it seemed.

"So... we finally found him. Did he have the item?"

"I don't know. I ran after him and Glacier killed Lazer."

"Abyss," Zemeckis said calmly.

Lance let out a strangled gasp as his air supply was abruptly choked off. His eyes flicked down, panic apparent on his face as he saw the wolf choking his shadow on the ground.

"Cowards don't deserve to live. Tell me why I should let you live? And it better be a good one."

"Because......I....saw.....Jeremy also," Lance choked out, his face turning bright red as he struggled for air.

"Jeremy huh? So... The old coot still lives. You may have some use after all. Abyss."

Abyss released him immediately at the command, leaving Lance to sink to his knees, taking in huge gasps of air. He looked up, fear in his eyes as Zemeckis loomed over him.

"I have a job for you now."

"I-I am ready to serve you my lord."

"Good. This will make up for your earlier failure. Find the boy, and bring him to me."

"Yes my lord. But what about Jeremy? Should I kill him before I do that?"

"No need. I will handle that personally. Jeremy and I will settle things. Abyss, let's go."

__

Jeremy let out a sigh as he sat in front of the fireplace. The crackling wood set the small room aglow with its embers, lending a merry feel to the room that didn't fit his mood. It was far too cold to douse the fire however, so he simply let it burn, hating it for trying to cheer him as he wallowed in his guilt, but needing the warmth it offered. He took a sip of the wine in his glass, sighing heavily.

"Now my burden in set onto a child. May god have mercy on my soul for being weak."

His eyes watered a little, making him draw his sleeve across them absently. A strong gust of harsh wind battered against the house, shaking it a little before calming abruptly. Jeremy looked around in confusion, the air suddenly feeling dense.

"Hello... Jeremy," a voice said in the shadows.

Jeremy leaped to his feet and looked behind him. The fireplace gave a glimpse of the person, flickering light dancing over the towering, armored form, his eyes widening at the sight.

"Zemeckis!?"

"You were a tough person to find. How is your arm feeling?"

Jeremy balled his fists, his heart thumping in his chest.

"Why do you care?"

"I don't. Just making small talk," Zemeckis said, looking around the room, noticing his priest's robe. "You became a priest did you? You think that god will help you forget everything?"

"Not forget. I know what I have done and do not regret anything. The only regret I DO have, is not killing you."

Zemeckis chuckled harshly.

"You could never beat me Jeremy. Surely you knew that when I took you arm."

"What do you want Zemeckis?"

Zemeckis' eyes narrowed as he stalked a bit closer, his armor making ominous clanking noises on the wood floor.

"I've come to finish what I started."

Jeremy felt numb. He couldn't summon any emotion. This was it. The house began to shake, the walls groaning and cracking, the floor splitting beneath his feet. Acting on instinct, he jumped out the window, just in time to see his house get sucked into a vortex. With a breath of air, Zemeckis appeared behind him, Jeremy bumping into him and spinning around. Zemeckis shoved his hand out, causing a wave of power to strike Jeremy in his chest, sending him tumbling across the ground.

'God, he's gotten more powerful then I remembered.' Jeremy thought, getting up slowly, feeling every ache of his years.

"It would make this easier if you didn't resist. I promise to make your death quick and painless."

Jeremy smiled, eyes closed and head down, accepting his fate.

"You've become stronger then I imagined. It would be pointless to even try my luck."

He slowly went to his knees and glared at Zemeckis, hate in his eyes.

"But I will tell you this, do not underestimate Jonah's son. He will be stronger than you when he fully develops. I'm sorry that I won't be there to see it."

Zemeckis smiled and crossed his arms.

"No one will beat me, Jeremy. Not now, not ever."

"Enough of your self-centeredness. Just kill me."

Zemeckis stared at him for a moment, before closing his eyes.

"You were a worthy foe Jeremy. You will always have my respect. But even the best people, fall before me. Abyss, kill him painlessly."

Abyss appeared from the shadows and knelt besides Jeremy.

"Do you have any last words?" he asked softly.

Jeremy remained silent. Abyss nodded his head, taking his answer as it was intended.

"Goodbye, Jeremy."

Abyss drew his saber, the blade making a slight ringing sound to Jeremy's ear. With a smooth motion, he drove it into Jeremy's shadow, right into the heart. Jeremy let out a grunt, eyes rolling into his head before flopping to the ground, the life draining away from him.

'Forgive me Isaiah. I know you will find your father and finish what he and I couldn't do. Lynn, my daughter, I will be joining you soon. Please keep watch over your son along with me. I know he will make the both of us proud."

The last sight he saw was Zemeckis, looking on coldly, madness swirling in the depths of his eyes...

__

Abyss stood up and went to Zemeckis's side.

"What now master?"

"Nothing. We wait and let the prey come to us."

Abyss bowed his head in acquiesce, staring at the body for a moment, before he and Zemeckis disappeared into the shadows.

A pulse of lightning tore across sky, a roll of thunder shaking the clouds and making the earth tremble as the heavens burst forth, raindrops pouring down like tears upon Jeremy's body.

If one listened closely, one might have heard a faint voice, whispering over the pounding rain.

'The time for regrets is over.'

__

Isaiah stopped and looked back, a shiver running up his spine.

"What's wrong Isaiah?" Zack asked.

"I don't know. It felt like something inside me just... died."

"Probably still feeling the after effects of what happened yesterday," Caleb said.

"I guess so."

He continued on, unaware of the things that awaited him on his journey.